If you’re married or divorced, and 62 or older, you may be eligible for spousal Social Security retirement benefits. But just because you’re eligible, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want to draw them. There are repercussions to signing up for spousal Social Security if you aren’t at full retirement age (FRA).
The average age for retirement in the United States is 62, according to a 2024 study by Mass Mutual. At 62, many individuals whose spouses are either alive or have died may become eligible to collect a portion of their spouse’s Social Security benefits. But how much can you collect, and is it worth taking it early?
Social Security Benefits to Spouses
When a worker files for Social Security benefits, the worker’s spouse may be able to claim a benefit based on the worker’s contributions.There are several criteria for collecting spousal benefits, and they are capped. But as a spouse, you will only receive 50 percent of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA) when you reach FRA. It will be less if you apply to collect early.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), if you, as the spouse, are eligible for a retirement benefit based on your earnings, and it’s higher than the spousal benefit, then you will receive your earned benefit and not the spouse’s. However, if the spousal benefit is higher, SSA will pay you the equivalent of your spouse’s PIA. You won’t collect more than the larger of the two.
Spouses Who Haven’t Paid Into Social Security
As a spouse, you may qualify for spousal benefits if you don’t have enough work credits for your own Social Security benefit. According to the SSA, you need at least 40 Social Security credits to receive benefits. You earn credits when you pay Social Security taxes. You receive four credits per year, so figure on ten years of paying Social Security taxes.You also must have been married for at least a year. A spouse must be at least 62 to collect spousal benefits. But there is an exception to that.
Spouses With Underage Children
According to the SSA, you may be eligible for spousal benefits at any age if you are caring for your spouse’s child who is younger than 16 or a child with disabilities.Divorced Spouses Eligible for Benefits
According to the National Council on Aging, if you are divorced, you may be eligible for benefits. But you must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years. You also must be unmarried when you apply for benefits. The minimum age when you can apply is 62.Although your ex-spouse must be at least 62 before you can apply, they don’t have to be collecting benefits yet. They just need to be eligible.
You’ll have access to Social Security spousal benefits regardless of what the divorce decree says, and your ex-spouse won’t know you’re receiving benefits.
When to Claim Spousal Benefits
It’s essential to run the numbers if you wish to apply for spousal benefits before you reach FRA. Full retirement age is 66 for those born in 1959 and earlier. It’s 67 for those born in 1960 and later.If you are eligible for Social Security, you must apply for your benefit before applying for a spousal benefit. Remember, your spousal benefit is 50 percent of the spouse’s PIA.
However, if you claim the spousal benefit at age 62, it’s permanently reduced. The amount of reduction depends on how many months before FRA the benefit was taken.
According to the SSA, for the first 36 months before FRA, the benefit is reduced by 25/36 of 1 percent per month (about 0.69 percent per month). For any month beyond the 36 months, the benefit is reduced by an additional 5/12 of 1 percent per month (about 0.42 percent per month).
How the Reduced Spousal Benefit Works When Taken Early
Mara is eligible for spousal benefits. Her husband’s primary insurance amount is $2,000 per month, and Maria is eligible for 50 percent, or $1,000 a month.Maria’s FRA is 66. She decides to start spousal benefits at age 62, 48 months earlier than her FRA.
Based on the 25/36 (25 thirty-sixths of 1 percent per month), she would see a 25 percent reduction in benefits. This comes to a 0.69 percent reduction per month.
However, the final 12 months before turning 66 is not as big a reduction.
The final 12 months are based on 5/12 (five-twelfths of 1 percent per month), which equals about 0.42 percent per month. The two totals are added together to be 30 percent of the original spousal benefit. In other words, the original $1,000 is reduced by 30 percent.
That brings the spousal benefit from $1,000 to $700 monthly. This is a permanent amount except for yearly cost-of-living adjustments, which could increase it slightly.
If you’re planning on taking early spousal benefits and want to see your spousal benefit calculations as a percentage, go online to the Social Security benefits for the SSA’s spouses calculator.
Receiving Spousal Benefits Depends on Your Circumstances
If you’re married and considering taking Social Security benefits, talk to a Social Security expert about your spousal benefits. It’s worth making an appointment at a Social Security office to discuss your options.This is especially important if you have a disabled child under 16. If you are divorced, you can apply for your ex-spouse’s benefits if you’re eligible.
Whether you receive benefits depends on your PIA, but you’re both guaranteed to receive the higher amount.
Run the numbers if you want to receive benefits before your FRA. It could financially hurt you in the long run.
The Epoch Times copyright © 2025. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
